Get a Border Collie. They are the most intelligent of all dog breeds, not inordinately large and loyal to a fault. They do need a lot of exercise as they have a LOT of energy. The best Border Collie breeder around is a veterinarian in Decatur, Alabama named Dr. Dawn Monroe.

Labs are GREAT dogs to have in the country or in the suburbs as long as you are prepared to walk them a lot. As long as they have had some good obedience training to come when you call them, as labs do tend to want to go exploring.....especially if there are groundhogs, grophers, porcupines, pheasants, ducks, or rabbits around (I have been "treated" to bits of all of the above as one of my labs liked to share his hunting...)

Australian Cattle Dogs (also known as blue or red heelers) has my vote. This is a great breed for those who live out in the country as they love a lot of space to run and play. If you have small children, get a heeler that is full grown and not a puppy, as puppies have a tendency to nip. They are very loyal to their humans, extremely intelligent, always aim to please and will be a companion for life!